I don’t review many picture books any more, but every now and then I find one that’s so fantastic, I just have to tell y’all about it! That’s how I felt when I read my friend Robyn Wall’s new picture book, I Worked Hard On That! illustrated by A.N. Kang.
I Worked Hard on That! is not only a well-written story with inviting illustrations, it’s also a handbook for the creative life.
Kiara, a little spider, feels inspired by a beautiful web. She tries her best time and again to make her own beautiful web, but each time, someone or something (accidentally) ruins it. Kiara is frustrated. After all, she worked hard on that! But each time she begins again, her new project is just a little better. That’s because each failed attempt has taught her something new.
I won’t spoil the ending, but I think it will leave you and your kids inspired to create!
The illustrations are lovely with just the right amount of detail to build a world while still leaving room to showcase Kiara’s creations.
I love how this story perfectly illustrates the creative process and the courage it takes to keep going! It’s an important lesson for kids to learn that the first draft isn’t often the final draft. And that it’s worth continuing to create, even when things don’t turn out as planned.
I highly recommend I Worked Hard on That! for creative kids and their adults! It would make a great gift to inspire the artists in your life, whatever their age or medium.
